Season 7 - 2009
Episode 701 - Feb. 6
This show is a preview of the locations and people in the new season of Heartland Highways. Learn more about where this year's adventures will take you!
Episode 702 - Feb. 13
This week take a trip to Calhoun County, Illinois located on the western border of the state. Surrounded on three sides by water, the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, this small county has an interesting history, friendly residents and exceptional scenery.
Episode 703 - Feb. 20
In this episode Lori and Kate learn how to water ski, wake board and rock climb. First, at the Liquid Edge in Farmer City, Illinois, a hobby has turned into a full time business that includes a ski school, pro shop and boat dealership. Then, in Southern Illinois at Vertical Heartland, the team takes on the cliffs and bluffs as they learn the ropes of rock climbing.
Episode 704 - Feb. 27
The crew visits Pat Schout's Hickory Ridge Farm near Charleston, Illinois, where they find the first of two stories about miniatures this year ... miniature cows! Then in Atwood, Illinois, Roger and Glenna Harris' agriculture and farm life collection is on display at their museum. Finally we make a trip to the DuQuion State Fair, which was once a privately owned state fair. Today this annual summertime tradition continues with the World Trotting Derby, livestock judging, exhibits, rides and of course fair food!
Episode 705 - March 6
Just off Route 49 between Casey and Westfield, Illinois, is the Oilfield Diner. Find out what makes this little restaurant in this little town so charming. Then, Lori and Kate head to Arcola, Illinois, to meet Richard Harshberger who specializes in Amish and landscape photography. We'll head to the Midewin Prairie National Tallgrass Prairie near Wilmington, Illinois. This site was once the location of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant.
Episode 706 - March 13
This week we visit a place where many Central Illinois artists display their work, Cinema Gallery in downtown Urbana, Illinois. Once a movie theater, the gallery owners have turned the space into a showcase of local art. Meet one of the artists whose work is displayed at Cinema Gallery, ceramic artist and craftsman Dwain Naragon of Charleston, Illinois. Also in Charleston, we'll visit Red Rock Tileworks, where decorative and beautiful tile is crafted by hand for customers around the county.
Episode 707 - March 20
You've most likely seen Indiana Limestone on buildings in your community or home in your neighborhood. This week Heartland Highways travels to the heart of Limestone Country in Bedford, Indiana, to see how Limestone is quarried and milled. We'll also look at another unique building product that's only made in Indiana, bricks, specifically klinker bricks made at the Colonial Brick Corporation in Cayuga.
Episode 708 - March 27
This week we travel the Pana, Illinois, for the annual Classic Bicycle Show held at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. We also meet David Lee Allen who has an impressive Coca Cola Collection. It started with one poster more than 20 years ago and has turned into a museum featuring just about everything you can think of with the name Coke. Finally, we'll meet Dave Boyer, who collects Bomber fishing lures. Be careful, you might get hooked on this story!
Episode 709 - April 3
When you see a barn and think of music you might think country, but this week Heartland Highways visits a barn in Allerton Park in Monticello, Illinois, where the type of music drifting across the prairie might not be what you'd expect. Then, the show takes you to Illinois "Field of Dreams" in Danville, Illinois, where the Danville Dans call home. Ever wanted to see a bald eagle, owl, or other bird of prey up close? The crew visits the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, Illinois.
Episode 710 - April 10
This episode is all about houses. First, Heartland Highways goes to the Wright House in Altamont, Illinois. This one-of-a-kind historic home saw three generations of the Wright family live in it and still has many of the original furnishings. Then in Plano, Illinois, along the Fox River, it's the Mies van der Rohe designed Farnsworth House. Constructed of glass and steel, the home is considered by many to be a mid-century modern architectural gem. Finally, Lori and Kate visit the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections in Carmel, Indiana.
Episode 711 - April 17
World War II veteran and Georgetown, Illinois, resident Charlie Dukes shares his prolific story and his Museum of Militaria in this episode. Lori and Kate visit the Covered Bridge Capital of the World in Parke County Indiana. Finally, Heartland Highways travels to Wallace, Indiana, population about 60, but not when the Highway 341 cafe and opry is in session. Meet the people behind this popular destination for food and music.
Episode 712 - April 24
In this episode we'll meet artist and furniture maker Thomas Skaggs of Champaign, Illinois. Then, we travel to Palestine, Illinois, where Mullen's Salad Dressing has been made for more than 60 years. See how it's made and meet the family who makes it. Next, the show will take you to the Charleston Alley Theatre, where performances you can't see anywhere else are featured.
Episode 713 - May 1
Season 7 closes out with "Heartland Highways at Home." Lori and Kate take viewers on a tour of the places they work and the communities they live in. Included in this episode, WEIU TV, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Mattoon, Fox Ridge State Park, Lincoln Log Cabin and more.